Inflatable toilet seat

ABSTRACT

An integral plastic inflatable toilet seat to be placed upon the conventional fixed, hard seat of a toilet wherein the inflatable seat is foldable into a quite small volume when deflated, the inflatable seat is easily inflated and positionable upon the fixed, hard toilet seat, the inflatable seat includes an integral male deflector.

United States Patent [191 Boyle et al.

[451 May 7,1974

v[22] Filed:

[ INFLATABLE TOILET SEAT [76] Inventors: Robert G. Boyle; Marian F. Boyle,

5296 Willow Wood Rd., both of Rolling Hills Estates, Calif. 90274 Mar. 9, 1972 [21] Appl. No; 233,261

[52] US. Cl. 4/239 [51] Int.-Cl A47k 13/06 [58] Field of Search 4/244, 242, 235, 239, 237; 46/87 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,153,248 10/1964 Miller 4/239 2,041,737 5/1936 Beal 46/87 682,871 9/1901 Hogan et al. 4/242 X 2,686,320 8/1954 Feldstein 4/239 2,053,566 9/1936 Kreil 4/239 2,141,341 12/1938 Bentz..... 4/237 2,230,138 1/1941 Ewart 46/87 X 2,767,408 10/1956 Reibman 4/239 3,050,748 8/1962 Deutinger 4/239 X Primary Examiner-Harvey C. Homsby Assistant Examiner-Donald B. Massenberg Attorney, Agent, or FirmJack C. Munro [5 7] ABSTRACT An integral plastic inflatable toilet seat to be placed upon theconventional fixed, hard seat of a toilet wherein the inflatable seat is foldable into a quite small volume when deflated, the inflatable seat is easily inflated and positionable upon the fixed, hard toilet seat, the inflatable seat includes an integral male deflector.

4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 1 INFLATABLE TOILET SEAT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional toilet seats are designed for the average adult. Small children find such conventional toilet seats difficult to sit on and it is not uncommon for a small child to fall through the opening of the conventional toilet seat. As a result, small children find such conventional toilet seats undesirable and are not encouraged to be trained and therefore frequently have accidents.

Additionally, persons, especially the aged, may frequently require the use of a soft toilet seat instead of the conventional hard type toilet seat. The hard type of toilet seat retards blood circulation within the lower portion of a'persons anatomy. Aged persons or other people with blood circulation problems may find it very undesirable to employ the use of the conventional hard toilet seat.

Additionally, persons who are ill may find the conventional hard toilet seat quite undesirable during their illness. Therefore, the use of a softer, portable, more personalized toilet seat would be desirable within hospitals, convalescent homes, or retirement homes.

' Additionally, the use of a softer toilet seat is definitely more confortable than a conventional hard toilet seat. When a person or an organization is selling a service or a product, especially when the service or product is solid in a competitive business field, to make the customer more comfortable may give that particular person or organization a competitive business advantage. Such types of competitive businesses are airlines, trains, restaurants, resort or vacation areas, etc. If the customer can be made "more comfortable in a small way through the use of an inflatable toilet seat, that customer may be induced to reuse the particular service or product at a later date. Besides the inflatable toilet seat facilitating comfort, it also provides the customer with his own personal item of use therefore being hygienic.

Previously, there have been attempts at designing inflatable toilet seats for use in the above situations. However, the devices of the prior art have always needed retaining straps to secure the inflatable seat to the conventional toilet seat. Such retaining straps tend to make the device substantially more bulky in the deflated state. But the use of such straps was always thought to be needed in order to hold the inflatable toilet seat on the conventional toilet seat.

Additionally, such previouslydesigned inflatable'toilet seats were designed of a rubber or rubber-like material of a significant wall thickness. This device when deflated was quite bulky and heavy in and of iself. When the separate retainin g strapswerecombined with the usually needed separate male deflector, the overall deflated toilet seat is extremely 'bulky and therefore not readily portable.

Additionally, prior devices have'required several individual manufacturing operations and different materials. Each manufacturing operation is costly which results in a significantly increased manufacturing cost of the item, which therefore prohibits its widespread use.

SUMMARY OF 'THE INVENTION The inflatable toilet seat of this invention is to be formed into an integral unit from a lightweight, strong, non-toxic plastic material. The inflatable seat of this invention includes an elliptical shaped body which has a central aperture formed therein. A male deflector is integrally attached to the body and is adapted to extend within the central aperture. Lateral relative movement of the inflatable toilet seat to the conventional hard toilet seat is precluded by the users weight loading the elliptical sections which deform to provide an integral securing lip inside the central opening of the conventional seat. A remote inflation adaptor of the same material provides quick and hygienic inflation as well as facilitating packaging. Within the first embodiment of this invention the material of construction of the male deflector is so that the upper surface of the deflector has a wall thickness approximately one third the wall thickness of the lower surface of the deflector. Upon inflation of the first embodiment of this invention which also results in inflation of the male deflector, because of the different wall thickness of the deflector and the variable elliptical form of the basic inflated seat, the deflector bends toward the lesser wall thickness. As a result the deflector is canted at an angle with respect to the plane of the body of the inflatable seat when in the inflated condition.

The second embodiment of the inflatable seat of this invention provides for a non-inflatable deflector which may be activated at user option. Also, the portion of the body adjacent the deflector is not inflatable. Formed within the non-inflatable deflector is a first aperture with a second aperture being formed within the non-inflatable portion of the body. An intermediate aperture is formed between the first and second apertures. A flexible stay is to cooperate between the apertures. With this stay so cooperating with the apertures, the stay is flexed so as to result in vertically upward movement of the deflector to a position similar to the position of the deflector in the first embodiment.

The third embodiment of the inflatable seat of this invention provides for the use of a partially inflated, rigid male deflector. The third embodiment deflector is integrally connected to the inflatable body. A strap is secured to the partially inflated deflector and is also fixedly attached to the inflatable body. The length of the strap and position of such is so that when the third embodiment inflatable seat of this invention is deflated, the deflector is located substantially in parallel or flat alignment with the plane of the body of the seat. However, upon inflation, the expansion of the body moves the fixed end of the strap attached thereto vertically upward a distance approximately one-half the minor diameter of the resultant elliptical inflated section at the place of strap attachment.

The primary advantage of this invention is to construct a portable toilet seat which can be readily carried in pocket or purse, that can be readily inflated and used; and is made eye pleasing by color and/or surface pattern. Therefore, the inflatable seat of this invention can be readily employed by mothers with small children, by people who have bad circulation problems, and by other people who merely desire to employ such a device for comfort reasons. Because of the small size of the inflatable seat of this invention when deflated, the device can be readily dispensed from vending machines. The device can be readily inflated in a short period of time and similarly can be collapsed after use in an equal amount of time. It can then be folded on itself BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the inflatable toilet seat of this invention in the deflated condition;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the inflatable toilet seat of this invention taken along line 22 of FIG. 1 in the inflated condition;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second embodiment of the inflatable toilet seat of this invention in the deflated condition;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of this invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 in the inflated condition;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the inflatable'toilet seat of this invention in the deflated condition;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of this invention taken along line 66 of FIG. 5

in the inflated condition; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable seat of this invention showing its position during use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOWN EMBODIMENTS Referring particularly to the drawing, in FIG. 1 there is shown the first embodiment 10 of this invention being basically composed of a body 12 and a male deflector 14. The body 12 is formed substantially in the shape of an oval which has a central aperture 16 formed therein. The first embodiment 10 of this invention is adapted to be formed in a single stamping and seaming operation from a sheet of polyvinyl chloride. The upper surface of the embodiment 10 is mated with the lower surface and electro-seamed in the desired locations. Asa result, an inflatable member is formed which is to be inflated through a conventional type of inflation valve 18. The exact configuration of valve 18 need not be described here in detail as these valves are extremely common and in widespread use. The valve 18 is located within a fore section 20 of the body 12. By application of human mouth air pressure, complete inflation of the first embodiment I0 is caused with pressure between one-half and l pound per square inch.

The air flows through the valve 18 passes into bulbous chamber 22 located within the fore section 10. The pressurized air is caused to pass within the deflector l4 and also passes through passages 24 into the main portion of the body 12. Substantially elliptical cross-sectional configuration occurs of the body 12 when it is inflated.

The upper wall of the deflector 14 is formed of substantially one-third thickness of the lower wall of the deflector 14. As this deflector 14 is inflated, an unproportional stress occurs between the upper wall and the lower wall. This causes the deflector 14 to bend or assume a configuration which is out of the plane of the body 12. The deflector pivots about the point of connection to the oval shaped inflatable body. This deflection is clearly depicted within FIG. 2 of the drawing. As a result, the deflector 14 assumes its vertically upward rigid configuration which acts as a urine deflector for the male human being which occupies the seat 10.

It is to be understood that the ratio of the wall thickness between the upper wall to the lower wall can be readily varied. It may be found to be adequate for the upper wall to be only one-half the thickness of the lower wall. Also, other variations of wall thickness may be employed.

The elliptical cross-section of the body 12 deflects about the hard, rigid, fixed toilet seat of a conventional toilet (not shown). The elliptical cross-section of the body 12 is controlled to deflect unsymetrically under user weight and as a result, a significant area of the body 12 comes into contact with the conventional toilet seat. The construction of the embodiments of this invention engages with the conventional toilet seat to prevent any tendency for the first embodiment 10 to slip off the conventional toilet seat during use. Further, the device of this invention will not collapse with the user through the central opening of the conventional toilet seat. No retaining straps are required to pre-fix the embodiment 10 of this invention to the conventional toilet seat.

The inflation valve 18 should normally be a one-way check valve sothat the device of this invention is capable of being retained in the inflated shape-indefinitely for continuous home use. However, it is to be considered to be within the scope of this invention to employ any type of inflation valve which is desired. If a oneway check valve is employed, deflation is accomplished simply by hand squeezing the valve while physically flattening the device of this invention thus expelling the air located therein.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawing, a second embodiment 26 is shown which is basically similar to the first embodiment 10 in that it is composed of an oval shaped body 28 located about a central opening 30 and a deflector 32. The fore section 34 of the body 28 is designed not to be inflatable. The deflector 32, which is integrally connected to the fore section 34, is also not inflatable. It is to be understood that this second embodiment 26 is to be formed by a single stamping and seaming procedure and a seaming procedure which is similar to the formation of the first embodiment 10.

Located within the deflector 32 is an hourglass shaped opening 36. Formed within the fore section 34 is a slot 38. A flexible plastic stay 40 is to be employed which is to be sufficiently flexible so as to be readily bendable. The stay 40, once bent, will tend to move back to the original position.

One end of the stay 40 is to be located within the slot 36 with the other end of the stay 40 passing through the slot 38. An intermediate slot 42 is formed adjacent the base of the deflector 32 and in between slot 38 and opening 36. One end of the stay 40 is passed through the slot 38 and placed through the slot 42. With the other end of the stay 40 in cooperation with the opening 36, the stay 40 assumes a flexed configuration as shown on FIG. 4 of the drawing. After insertion of the stay 40 and release thereof, the stay 40 effects movement of the deflector 32 to the position shown in FIG. 4 of the drawing. As a result, the deflector 32 assumes a vertically upward position substantially similar to the position of the deflector 14 within the first embodiment. In this way, the deflector 32 also can act as a urine deflector for a male user.

A valve 44 is located within the body 28 of the second embodiment 26. The valve 44 is to be substantially similar to the valve 18 and is to be employed to effect inflation of the body 28.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawing, a third embodiment 46 of the inflatable toilet seat of this invention is shown. The third embodiment 46 includes-a ring shaped body 28 which has a central opening 50 formed therein. Again, the body 48 is formed substantially similar to the formation of the previous bodies 28 and 12 and need not be reiterated. The body 48 is to be inflated through the fore section 52 by means of valve 54. Again, the valve 54 is basically similar to previously mentioned valves 18 and 44. In this embodiment 46, the fore section 52 is basically integral with and is not any way different than the body 48.

The male deflector 56 is integral with the fore section 52 and is adapted to extend, when deflated, and is contained within the opening 50. The deflector 56 is partially inflated along with the seat. A strap 58 is to be secured to the upper wall of the fore section 52 and also to the upper wall of the deflector 56. The connection of the strap 58 is such that when the embodiment 46 is deflected, the deflector 56 extends within opening 50. Upon inflation of the third embodiment 46, the strap 58 effects a pulling action'on the deflector 56 due to the expansion of the body 48 during inflation. This results in a movement of the deflector 56 to a vertically upward position as represented within FIG. 6 of the drawing. This position is again to function as a urinary deflector for a male user and is substantially in the position of the previous embodiment deflectors.

Each of the embodiments of this invention can be readily folded, when deflated, into a quite small volume. This facilitates its portability as well as facilitating dispensibility as in vending machines or other dispensing apparatus. ltis envisioned that this device, when folded, will be locatable within a small carrying case which can be readily-inserted within pocket or purse.

Besides the comfort which is attainable by the embodiments of this invention, the use of the toilet then becomes a personal item which makes all public toilets hygienic. The plastic material construction of the embodiments of this invention allows for easy cleaning. Additionally, the plastic material does not require any post production treatment. However, it is to be considered within the scope of this invention to employ materials of construction other than the polyvinyl chloride.

The embodiments of this invention are designed to achieve the maximum utility with an extremely simple construction.

We claim: 1. An inflatable toilet seat comprising: an oval shaped body having a central aperture, said body being hollow and capable of retaining pressurized gas; 1 a male deflector integrally attached to said body, said male deflector locatable in a first position extending into said aperture with said body deflated; and

means connected to said deflector to move and pivot said deflector about the point of connection thereof to said oval shaped body to a second position with respect to said body with said body inflated, said second position being at least forty-five degrees displaced from said first position;

said means includes the upper wall of said deflector being significantly less in thickness than the lower wall of said deflector, whereby upon inflation of said body a stress differential is created within said deflector which causes said deflector to pivot vertically upwardly from the plane of the upper wall.

2. The inflatable toilet seat as defined in claim 1 wherein: p 7

said upper wall thickness being approximately onethird of the thickness of said lower wall.

3. An inflatable toilet seat comprising:

an oval shaped body having a central aperture, said body being hollow and capable of retaining pressurized gas;

a male deflector integrally attached to said body, said male deflector locatable in a first position extending into said aperture with said body deflated; and

means connected to said deflector to move and pivot said deflector about the point of connection thereof to said oval shaped body to a second position with respect to said body with said body inflated, said second position being at least 45 displaced from said first position;

said body includes a fore section, said deflector being secured to said fore section, said deflector and said fore section not being inflatable, said deflector being flexible, attachment means located within said deflector and said fore section, a semiflexible stay connectable to said attachment means to effect movement of said deflector to said second position; and

said attachment means comprises a first opening, a second opening spaced from said first opening, a third opening located intermediate said first and said second openings, one end of said stay is to pass through said second opening and into said third opening with the other end of said stay to cooperate with said first opening.

4. An inflatable toilet seat comprising:

an oval shaped body having a central aperture, said body being hollow and capable of retaining pressurized gas;

a male deflector integrally attached to said body, said male deflector locatable in a first position extending into said aperture with said body deflated; and

means connected to said deflector to move and pivot said deflector about the point of connection thereof to said oval shaped body to a second position with respect to said body with said body inflated, said second position being at least 45 displaced from said first position;

said means comprises a strap connected between said deflector and said body, with said body deflated the length of said strap permits said deflector to be located within said central opening, with said body inflated said strap effects movement of said deflector to said second position and said deflector being a partially inflated and semi-rigid element. 

1. An inflatable toilet seat comprising: an oval shaped body having a central aperture, said body being hollow and capable of retaining pressurized gas; a male deflector integrally attached to said body, said male deflector locatable in a first position extending into said aperture with said body deflated; and means connected to said deflector to move and pivot said deflector about the point of connection thereof to said oval shaped body to a second position with respect to said body with said body inflated, said second position being at least fortyfive degrees displaced from said first position; said means includes the upper wall of said deflector being significantly less in thickness than the lower wall of said deflector, whereby upon inflation of said body a stress differential is created within said deflector which causes said deflector to pivot vertically upwardly from the plane of the upper wall.
 2. The inflatable toilet seat as defined in claim 1 wherein: said upper wall thickness being approximately one-third of the thickness of said lower wall.
 3. An inflatable toilet seat comprising: an oval shaped body having a central aperture, said body being hollow and capable of retaining pressurized gas; a male deflector integrally attached to said body, said male deflector locatable in a first position extending into said aperture with said body deflated; and means connected to said deflector to move and pivot said deflector about the point of connection thereof to said oval shaped body to a second position with respect to said body with said body inflated, said second position being at least 45* displaced from said first position; said body includes a fore section, said deflector being secured to said fore section, said deflector and said fore section not being inflatable, said deflector being flexible, attachment means located within said deflector and said fore section, a semiflexible stay connectable to said attachment means to effect movement of said deflector to said second position; and said attachment means comprises a first opening, a second opening spaced from said first opening, a third opening located intermediate said first and said second openings, one end of said stay is to pass through said second opening and into said third opening with the other end of said stay to cooperate with said first opening.
 4. An inflatable toilet seat comprising: an oval shaped body having a central aperture, said body being hollow and capable of retaining pressurized gas; a male deflector integrally attached to said body, said male deflector locatable in a first position extending into said aperture with said body deflated; and means connected to said deflector to move and pivot said deflector about the point of connection thereof to said oval shaped body to a second position with respect to said body with said body inflated, said second position being at least 45* displaced from said first position; said means comprises a strap connected between said deflector and said body, with said body deflated the length of said strap permits said deflector to be located within said central opening, with said body inflated said strap effects movement of said deflector to said second position and said deflector being a partially inflated and semi-rigid element. 